Anthony Edwards' latest leap should terrify the rest of the NBA

Every year, it seems like Anthony Edwards keeps leveling up. Last year, Edwards' improvement was all about him (shockingly) becoming one of the best 3-point shooters in the league. This season, it's about him becoming a ridiculously efficient three-level scorer -- his efficiency was never bad per se, but it's reached a whole other level this year.

Currently, Edwards is posting career-highs in points per game (29.4), raw field goal percentage (50.6), and effective field goal percentage (59). He has validated his 3-point shooting leap, netting 40 percent of his 8.3 triples per game while shooting an absurd 52.3 percent on catch-and-shoot 3s.

This improved efficiency has also manifested itself in clutch time, where Edwards has been flat-out unstoppable. Notably, he ranks third in clutch points per game while shooting 69.4 percent from the field in clutch time minutes.

Edwards has improved as a mid-range threat and finisher, which has helped him level up as an all-around scorer. These improvements make Ant impossible to stop as a scorer and could help him lead the Timberwolves to new heights. The idea that Edwards is still getting better should put the rest of the league on notice.

Edwards' growth as a finisher and mid-range scorer

Ant's improvements as a mid-range scorer have been well-discussed, and it was a clear priority for him over the offseason. After shooting 37.6 percent on 2.7 attempts last season from the mid-range, Edwards is up to 45.8 percent on 3.3 mid-range shots this year.

Before he made this leap as a mid-range scorer, defenses had feasible ways to game plan against Edwards by leaving the mid-range open, and on off-shooting nights, teams could pack the paint while throwing an elite on-ball defender on him. These strategies no longer work.

Edwards' growth as a mid-range scorer also allows him to beat double teams more often, as he can position himself in the mid-range off the ball. Undoubtedly, Edwards' signature move in the mid-range has been his post fadeaway. This allows him to punish smaller defenders, especially on switches.

Last year, Edwards averaged 0.4 points on post-ups per game and ranked in the 25th percentile for points per post-up possession per NBA.com. Now he is averaging 1.2 points on post-ups per game and ranks in the 63rd percentile. Undoubtedly, Edwards' growth as a mid-range scorer has unlocked a new element in his all-around scoring game.

While his mid-range leap is more notable, Ant's increased finishing efficiency is nothing to gloss over.

He has always been a high-volume and explosive finisher, but this year, Edwards is shooting a career-high 71.5 percent at the rim per Databllr. Last year, he shot 63.3 percent at the rim and often missed easy shots at the rim -- this isn't a problem anymore, though, and his 71.5 percent at the rim is truly elite. Edwards' handle has been noticeably tighter while his athleticism remains difficult to contain. Additionally, Edwards is shooting a career-high 7.6 free throw attempts per game.

Edwards' isolation scoring has also reached another level as he now ranks fourth in iso points per game, and it's directly connected to these improvements. This level of growth is especially impactful as the Wolves don't have much shot creation outside of Ant and Julius Randle.

Ant will continue to level up

Despite these improvements, Ant-Man is still far from the peak of his powers at 24. I know that might sound crazy, but it's true: Edwards can still improve on defense and as a playmaker. Given what we've seen from him throughout his career, I expect these improvements to happen at some point. A trade deadline move could expedite things.

Nevertheless, Edwards is already a top-five-level player with an impressive playoff résumé. The thought that someone with this level of talent and proven abilities could reach yet another level should scare the rest of the NBA.

With a player like Edwards, the Wolves will always have a puncher's chance in the playoffs regardless of seeding, and his path to true NBA greatness is still just beginning.